2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems

General information about Chevrolet-Avalanche 1500
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Chevrolet Avalanche is a four-door, five- or six-passenger pickup truck that was manufactured by General Motors. The Avalanche was a hybrid between the Chevrolet Suburban SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, sharing the chassis with the Suburban. Unlike a typical pickup truck where the bed is mounted separately from the cab on the frame, the bed of the Avalanche was integrated with the cab body. It also featured a "midgate" behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area. The Avalanche was produced across two generations starting in 2001 and ending in 2013.

Breaking with a long-standing tradition, the Avalanche was not available as a GMC, but only as a Chevrolet. Instead, Cadillac would sell a re-badged Avalanche; however, the midgate design would be adapted for use on the GMC Envoy XUV and Hummer H2 SUT.

First generation (2001–2006)

The Avalanche was launched in September 2001 as a 2002 model on the GMT800 platform. First year Avalanches featured light gray plastic body cladding, intended to provide visual distinction from the Suburban/Yukon XL. The Avalanche also gave the public an advance look at the next generation of front fascia designs for the entire GM line. A full-length chrome strip splits each lamp assembly and the grille, with a gold Chevrolet "bow tie" in the center. The hood and fenders featured aggressive folds, in contrast to the softer designs seen on other models built on the GMT800 platform.

Avalanche was nominated for the North American SUV of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 2002.

The Avalanche was originally marketed as being able to "change from an SUV to a super SUV." This was made possible by a plastic cover and an exclusive "midgate," called the Convert-a-Cab system by GM, which could open and close. The midgate was a divider behind the second row of seats that could be folded down, with the seats, to create a longer bed area, or folded up to make a larger cab area. A similar midgate was found on the Cadillac Escalade EXT (a rebadged Avalanche), Hummer H2 SUT, and GMC Envoy XUV.

The truck was offered as a half-ton 1500 series with a Vortec 5.3L V8 producing 285 hp (216 kW) or as a three-quarter-ton 2500 series with a Vortec 8.1L V8 with 340 hp (253 kW) and the 4L85-E four-speed transmission. The base layout is rear-wheel drive, but there is an available with selectable high/low four-wheel drive. Avalanche 2500 models from 2004–2006 were exclusively available with four-wheel drive.

For those who planned to go off-road in their Avalanche, a Z71 Off-Road package was available that added features such as off-road suspension, GM's AutoTrac full-time push-button four-wheel-drive system, all-terrain P265/70R17 white-lettered Goodyear tires, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces with waterproof accents, front dual power bucket seats, cloth door panel inserts, GM's OnStar telematics system, all-weather rubber floor mats, Chevrolet bowtie emblems embedded into the backrests of the seats (for 2002 models), dual-zone automatic climate controls with rear HVAC vents and remote controls, remote radio controls with headphone jacks for two pairs of headphones, a security system, gray-finished side running boards, power-adjustable, heated side-view mirrors, SRS side impact airbags. Aside from these details, a Z71 Off-Road decal on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. Full leather seating surfaces were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.

For those who preferred the styling of the Z71 Off-Road package but did not plan to take their Avalanche off-road, a Z66 Premium On-Road package was also available. The Z66 On-Road package featured all the equipment that the Z71 Off-Road package offered but replaced the off-road suspension with sport on-road suspension and did not offer four-wheel drive. Aside from these details, a Z66 On-Road sticker on the rear side panels identified an Avalanche equipped with this package. As with the Z71 Off-Road package, full leather seating surfaces without the cloth accents were an available option, also removing the cloth door panel inserts, and also added heated front seats.

To further distinguish it from its Silverado siblings, the Avalanche was practically fully equipped and only came with bodyside cladding. The Avalanche included features such as 16-inch alloy wheels and tires (chromed steel on the 2500 model), an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and six speakers, cloth seating surfaces, front bench seat with power front driver's seat, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, full instrumentation, dual front airbags, and air conditioning. Options included OnStar telematics system, cassette player, leather seating surfaces, front dual power bucket seats that could be heated, and side airbags for the front seats. A North Face Edition, in partnership with the North Face brand included limited exterior color options, a unique Ebony/Green leather interior, special exterior ornamentation and decals, white-faced gauges, OnStar telematics system, specially colored door panel inserts and speaker grilles, and more.

For 2003, the Avalanche was slightly changed. 2003 models featured a darker cladding, but GM's new president, Rick Wagoner, demanded the removal of this "unpopular" trim (as did certain elements of the public). From mid-year, Avalanche could be ordered without cladding. The uncladded model, known as "Without Body Hardware" (or its initialism "WBH," which is also an RPO code), and alternatively called "slicksides" by GM marketers, resembled the 2003–2005 Silverado 1500 in the front. A new interior—shared with the Tahoe and Suburban—added a new, larger steering wheel with subsequent audio, cruise, and speed controls; an optional six-speaker premium Bose sound system with external amplifier; a new gauge cluster with information center and memory for the front driver's seat, brake and accelerator pedals, and side-view mirror position (on some models); new radio head units, which included an AM/FM stereo with either a single-disc or six-disc CD/MP3 changer, Radio Data System, and optional XM Satellite Radio; standard OnStar telematics system with steering wheel controls; new warning chimes that played through the vehicle's audio system instead of through a separate speaker behind the dashboard; and newly available 17-inch alloy wheels and tires. Optional features included rear audio controls with headphone jacks and a rear DVD entertainment system by Panasonic with wireless headphones. The WBH option was only available in the 1500 series.

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Common 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems

The Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, produced in 2003, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is the failure of the 4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor/Selector Switch.

Another common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 is excessive oil consumption.

The 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 also suffers from issues with the air/fuel mixture, which can trigger a check engine light due to fuel trim codes like P0101, P0171, or P0174.

Parts that can cause a fuel trim code include loose or broken air intake tubes, broken intake gaskets, faulty or dirty MAF sensors, and faulty O2 sensors.

Finally, the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500's interior accessories have been reported as problematic, with issues such as faded plastic trim and broken tailgate latches or handles.

Is 2003 a good year for Chevy Avalanche?

Good truck

My Avalanche has been reliable, comfortable and capable. Fuel economy has been ok for what it is, but like any full size 4x4 truck, it's a bit thirsty. I've taken it off-roading a few times and it handles great. Seats 6 people comfortably with plenty of room for camping gear, ice chests and bbq grilles.

How many miles can you get out of a 2003 Chevy Avalanche?

If You drive Your Avalanche on the road (little to no off-roading) and service it at regular intervals, it's very realistic that You'll get 150,000 or 175,000 miles out of it. If You take exceptionally good care of it and only use top-of-the-line fluids, You're likely looking at 200,000 to 250,000.

Do Chevy Avalanches have transmission problems?

Delayed, shuddering or is extremely harsh 1-2 shift

The symptoms of one of the more common Chevrolet Avalanche transmission problems are described above, and they can become very unpleasant. The problem has do with faulty 4L60E accumulators, which are designed to act like a sort of shock absorber between shifts.

What were the best years for the Chevy Avalanche?

According to carcomplaints.com, the best years for the Chevy Avalanche include:

2006 Chevy Avalanche.
2009 Chevy Avalanche.
2011 Chevy Avalanche.
2012 Chevy Avalanche.
2013 Chevy Avalanche.

Is 2003 a good year for Chevy Avalanche?

Good truck

Why did the Chevy Avalanche fail?

The issues that arose with the Chevy Avalanche are items like interior accessory troubles, transmission failure, and excessive oil consumption, among other things. We'll talk more about these Chevy Avalanche years to avoid later so you can get a better idea of which model will work best for you.

Do Chevy Avalanches have transmission problems?

Delayed, shuddering or is extremely harsh 1-2 shift

Why did Chevrolet stop making Avalanche?

Production of the Avalanche ended after the 2013 model year, after 2011 saw a sales decline of 2.6% to 20,088 units. Production of the Cadillac Escalade EXT also ended after the 2013 model year.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500.

2007-12-17

Manufacturer: FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATION
Components: WHEELS:HUB
Summary: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Consequence: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 problems:

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Problems and Complaints - 24 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2003-chevrolet-avalanche-1500/problems

Problem with your 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500? Our list of 24 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500.

Buying an Avalanche 02-05 ... What problems should I expect? : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/ChevyAvalanche/comments/ahs5sl/buying_an_avalanche_0205_what_problems_should_i/

Jan 20, 2019 ... The Chevy dealership told me not to try to fix it because it might still knock anyway. But I've put 40k miles on it and had no catastrophic ...

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 - 2003 chevy avalanche instrument ...

https://repairpal.com/2003-chevy-avalanche-instrument-cluster-recall-052

Feb 13, 2015 ... These 03-06 Avalanches are bad about this kind of problem, it's usually caused by failing stepper motors inside the instrument cluster. Each ...

Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Z71: I have an on going problem with

https://www.justanswer.com/chevy/8qs03-chevrolet-avalanche-1500-z71-going-problem.html

Oct 31, 2014 ... It would run fine and then sputter for a second before running smooth again. It became more and more frequent. I was told the fuel pump needed ...